Solutions Library

The E4C Solutions Library is a living database of products and services that are intended to be accessible and appropriate for those living in poverty. The data in the Solutions Library is curated technical and market performance information that is normalized across all products, enabling side-by-side comparison and analysis of market influences. Find out more.

Target region(s) Target region for distribution/implementation (listed by country if specified)

Developing countries across the world, including Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, Philippines, Vietnam, Uganda, to name a few. LFCs have been distributed worldwide through partner organizations in 17 countries.

Operation Overview: LFC riders push on levers, which are bio-mechanically more efficient than pushing on the wheels of a traditional wheelchair. Riders “”shift gears”” by sliding their hands up and down the levers. Grabbing low on the levers is a “high gear” enabling riders to travel 80% faster than a regular wheelchair on tarmac. Grabbing high on the levers is a “low gear,” enabling riders to power over obstacles with 50% more torque than a regular wheelchair.

Technical support Technical support provided by

LFCs must be properly prescribed for individual users. This requires support from local distribution partners, who ensure the LFC is correctly sized and appropriate for its user.

A wheelchair that is not properly fit to the needs of an individual user can result in discomfort or injury (such as scoliosis or pressure sores) due to insufficient support or improper cushioning. There is also a risk of tipping while using a wheelchair.

Complementary technical systems Performance of this product is improved with another technology (eg. Cookstoves and Wind-blocking skirts)

N/A

Academic research Academic research related to the product (e.g. published papers in peer-reviewed journals)

Target region(s) Target region for distribution/implementation (listed by country if specified)

Developing countries across the world, including Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, Philippines, Vietnam, Uganda, to name a few. LFCs have been distributed worldwide through partner organizations in 17 countries.

Operation Overview: LFC riders push on levers, which are bio-mechanically more efficient than pushing on the wheels of a traditional wheelchair. Riders “”shift gears”” by sliding their hands up and down the levers. Grabbing low on the levers is a “high gear” enabling riders to travel 80% faster than a regular wheelchair on tarmac. Grabbing high on the levers is a “low gear,” enabling riders to power over obstacles with 50% more torque than a regular wheelchair.

Technical support Technical support provided by

LFCs must be properly prescribed for individual users. This requires support from local distribution partners, who ensure the LFC is correctly sized and appropriate for its user.

A wheelchair that is not properly fit to the needs of an individual user can result in discomfort or injury (such as scoliosis or pressure sores) due to insufficient support or improper cushioning. There is also a risk of tipping while using a wheelchair.

Complementary technical systems Performance of this product is improved with another technology (eg. Cookstoves and Wind-blocking skirts)

N/A

Research & standards

Academic research Academic research related to the product (e.g. published papers in peer-reviewed journals)